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S C Yudofsky

Publications and source records attributed to S C Yudofsky.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of intraventricular nadolol infusion on shock-induced aggression in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats.

Increasingly, beta blockers are being utilized to treat patients with aggressive disorders secondary to brain lesions. To secure further data about the potential efficacy of beta blockers for this condition, a rat model was employed in which aggression was enhanced by 6-hydroxydopamine. Following lesioning of the brain, aggression in the rats increased from an average baseline of 10.9 +/- 2.1 to 42.7 +/- 2.0 fights per testing period. Thereafter, either pharmacologically inert, artificial CSF or nadolol was introduced through transcerebral, intraventricular perfusion with a significant reduction in aggression in the nadolol-treated animals when compared with those receiving artificial CSF.

Aggression↗

The Overt Aggression Scale for the objective rating of verbal and physical aggression.

The authors describe the design and reliability of a rating scale that measures aggressive behaviors in adults and children. On the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), aggression is divided into four categories: verbal aggression, physical aggression against objects, physical aggression against self, and physical aggression against others. In addition, specific interventions related to each aggressive event can be recorded on the OAS. The clinical and research applications of this scale are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Elevation of thioridazine plasma levels by propranolol.

As part of a pilot study to assess the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of aggression in psychiatric patients, drug interactions of propranolol with other agents were estimated by blood level monitoring. In the two patients taking a standard oral dose of thioridazine, the addition of propranolol caused a threefold and fivefold increase of plasma thioridazine levels, which placed them in a potentially toxic range. Although neither patient exhibited a toxic effect, these levels may be associated with an increased risk of thioridazine-induced irreversible pigmentary retinopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and tardive dyskinesia. The authors suggest precautionary monitoring of thioridazine plasma and other relevant levels and clinical assessments when thioridazine and propranolol are used in combination.

Adult↗

Electroconvulsive therapy in the eighties: technique and technologies.

This paper reviews the special indications for ECT. Included among these are delusional depression, affective illness which occurs in the geriatric population, depressions which are not responsive to pharmacologic intervention; depressed manic or schizophrenic patients who do not tolerate medication side effects; and drug-refractory Parkinson's disease. Technological advantages which have increased the safety of the procedure while reducing the side effects include: brief pulse electrical stimulation of the seizure, nondominant unilateral placement of electrodes, and simultaneous monitoring of EEG and EKG during the procedures. Finally, the five steps designed to address psychological issues as they relate to ECT are outlined and ECT is placed into the perspective of an overall therapeutic strategy in treating the patients.

Affective Disorders, Psychotic↗

Electroconvulsive therapy in general hospital psychiatry: a focus on new indications and technologies.

This paper documents the recent dramatic shift towards the delivery of psychiatric services in the general hospital setting and outlines the increasing number of special indications for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These include: delusional depression; depressions which are not responsive to antidepressants; affective illness in geriatric populations, depression, mania or schizophrenia in patients who cannot tolerate medication side effects, and drug-refractory Parkinson's disease. Such technological advances as nondominant unilateral placement of electrodes, brief pulse electrical stimulation, and simultaneous ictal monitoring of EEG and EKG have increased the safety while reducing the side effects of the procedure. In that comparative studies show ECT to have safety and efficacy superior to antidepressant agents in the treatment of severe depressive illness, the author encourages physicians to consider this treatment which is becoming increasingly available through our general hospital services.

Adult↗

Agitation, disorientation, and hallucinations in patients on cimetidine: a report of three cases and literature review.

Cimetidine, the first of a new class of pharmacologic agents that dramatically inhibit basal gastric acid secretion, is achieving widespread use for the treatment of such acid peptic disorders as duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and reflux esophagitis. Three patients are presented who experienced agitation, disorientation, and hallucinations while being treated with cimetidine. A review of the literature revealed that central nervous system side effects of cimetidine can occur within 24 hours of treatment with the drug; are often unrecognized or misdiagnosed by clinicians, and are reversed within 12 to 48 hours after the discontinuation of the medication.

Adult↗